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Manchester

Practical info Manchester, United Kingdom

Getting around the city

Manchester is an easy city to negotiate with a substantial public transport system. The Metrolink Rapid Transit system trams are fast and efficient, while the Metroshuttle City Centre buses are free and run on two circular routes, including all major rail stations, bus stops and Metrolink stops. System One Travelcards offer a variety of options for discounted, unlimited use of public transport. There are plenty of car hire companies and taxis available and the Manchester Airport is only 15 minutes away from the city centre. Manchester also has a system of cycling paths, although these can be a bit risky and intimidating during heavy traffic.

Time

GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity

The electrical current in the UK is 230 volts, 50Hz. Flat three-pin plugs are standard.

Currency

The currency is the British Pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in almost all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.

Communication

The international country dialling code for the UK is +44. Mobile phone coverage is extensive, using GSM 1800 networks which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in all major towns and cities, train stations and airports and wifi is widely available.

Climate

As with the rest of the United Kingdom, Manchester's temperate oceanic climate is highly changeable and unpredictable. In general, however, the weather in Manchester is mild, with sunny summers (June to August) and cold, wet winters (December to February). Snowfall is infrequent, but winter days can be frosty and clear. High-pressure systems can sometimes cause very hot summer temperatures or very cold winter temperatures, but these tend to pass quickly. Average summer temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) to 69°F (20°C), while average winter temperatures range from 36°F (2°) to 45°F (7°C). The average temperature in January is around 39°F (4°C), while the average temperature in July is about 59°F (15°C).

Manchester International Airport

Getting to the city

There are regular trains between the airport and Manchester Piccadilly railway station, which has connections to destinations throughout the UK. Buses service Manchester city centre as well as other local towns and cities. National Express operates coach services to cities all over the UK. All buses, coaches and trains leave from The Station, the airport's new transport interchange that is connected to all terminals by a covered walkway. Taxis are available outside all terminals.

Car rental

Airport taxi's

Taxis are available outside all terminals. Fares into Manchester are determined by the meter, while other destinations may be charged at a flat rate.

Transfer between terminals

The Skylink travellator system links Terminals 1 and 2, while 1 and 3 are linked by an external walkway.

Facilities

There are restaurants, shops and bars in all three terminals. Other facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change and left luggage. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should inform their airline or travel agent in advance.

Parking

Short-term parking at Manchester International Airport is charged at £3 for the first 30 minutes, £5.40 for an hour, £9 for two hours, £17 for four hours and so on up to £38 per day. Long-term parking is charged at £31 for the first day, £50 for two days, and £10 per day thereafter. It is a good idea to book parking in advance via the airport's website in the peak summer season, as the car park can be full.